11 Stylish Modern Living Rooms for Every Taste

By
Deirdre Sullivan
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Deirdre Sullivan

Deirdre Sullivan is an interior design expert and features writer who specializes in home improvement as well as design. She began her career as an assistant editor at Elle magazine and has more than a decade of experience. Deirdre contributes content for brands including The Spruce and Realtor.com, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences.

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Updated on 02/03/22
modern living room

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto 

When it comes to living room decorating, modern is a word that gets tossed around a lot when defining a specific style. But the truth is, many different types of looks can be summed as modern, from mid-century to maximalism. To help you sort it all out, we put together this round-up of our favorite examples of modern living rooms.

  • 01 of 11

    Modern Living Room Brimming With Colors

    colorful living room
    Black Lacquer Design

    Furnishings and decor in lovely pops of color, including the striking focal point a hot pink fireplace surround, redefine what modern decorating means in this contemporary space by Black Lacquer Design. Keeping the walls white while distributing vibrant shades around the room does not detract but instead compliments the room's gorgeous hearth.

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  • 02 of 11

    Modern and Transitional Living Room

    cream and navy living room
    Lauren Nicole Designs

    A classic and neutral color scheme also works in a modern living room without skimping on the wow factor. Notice how the accent chairs and decorative pillows in navy blue pop against soft gray furnishings in this creative modern space with a transitional theme by Lauren Nicole Designs.

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  • 03 of 11

    Modern Living Room With Mid-Century Inspired Furniture

    modern living room in loft
    Anderson Design Studio

    Interior designer Katie Stix from Anderson Design Studio created this modern living room with enduring style in mind. Carving out the main living area is a planter room divider, which enlivens the space with gorgeous greenery. Low-profile furniture with a retro, mid-century aura sets the inviting tone. The classic pieces are both comfy and straightforward, both hallmarks of modern style. Above it all is a statement light fixture, which puts a contemporary spin on the quintessential chandelier.

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  • 04 of 11

    Modern and Minimalist Living Room

    crisp white and gray modern living room
    Maydan Architects

    If you have a spectacular view, it makes sense to go with a modern, minimalist living room, like this example by Maydan Architects, that throws focus on the perfectly manicured backyard. Clean lines, minimal furnishings, and a simple color scheme that coordinates beautifully with the great outdoors makes this space welcoming.

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  • 05 of 11

    Living Room With Pattern and Texture

    Neutral Toned Living Room
    Jamie Keskin Design

    Beautiful wallpaper in a striking modern pattern takes this small living room by Jamie Keskin Design to a new stylish level. Lots of contrasting textures pile on the visual interest from the rattan coffee table to the ribbed table lamps.

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  • 06 of 11

    Modern Care-free Living Room

    600-Square-Foot-Apartment-Living-Room
    Havenly

    In many living rooms, the fireplace is the focal point, but not in this unconventional apartment by the experts at Havenly. Here an abstract self-portrait in black and white is the heart of this care-free space. Balancing color and texture is essential in any room you decorate. Note how the potted fiddle leaf fig tree softens the charcoal sofa. Then there's the geometric rug and leather side chair. Both are room warming elements that balance the industrial-inspired coffee table and copper side table.

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  • 07 of 11

    Airy and Bright Modern Living Room

    Open concept space with small living room
    Haley Weidenbaum

    Bright and airy are two words that come to mind when most people think of modern decorating. And this living room by Haley Weidenbaum epitomizes that thought. Here pops of color enlivens the mostly neutral-toned room. The large prints on the walls heighten the sense of vibrancy. It is important to note that modern spaces can include a mashup of furniture styles like the spindle farmhouse chairs placed around the Saarinen "Tulip" dining table.​

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  • 08 of 11

    Black and White Modern Living Room

    black and white living room with copper accents
    Homepolish

    This mostly monochromatic, modern living room featured on Homepolish puts the "D" in drama thanks to black and white geometric walls. Metallic accents are always thoroughly modern. Here copper, the metal of the moment, adds a layer of luxury.

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  • 09 of 11

    Modern Art Deco Living Room

    Black and blue art deco inspired living room
    Black Lacquer Design

    Move over wanderlust because all things Art Deco are becoming the rage. This whimsy living room by Black Lacquer Design combines contemporary art deco inspired elements like the faceted mirror and brass coffee table with super luxurious items like the plush jewel-toned furniture. The result is a modern living room that feels lush, vibrant, and cozy.

    A Designer's Guide to Decorating in the Art Deco Style
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  • 10 of 11

    Modern and Minimal Living Room

    living room in cool gray and blue tones
    Gina Kay Daniel

    The best living rooms, no matter how modern and minimal, have comfortable furniture, as shown in this lovely space by interior designer Gina Kay Daniel. The modular sofa is punctuated by royal blue pillows and a super cozy throw. The shag rug is equally modern and inviting.

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  • 11 of 11

    Modern Living Room Fit for a Maximalist

    Bold and colorful living room with graphic prints
    The English Room

    Yes, modern design can also work for maximalists. This modern living room by The English Room packs an explosion of color and texture that results in an irresistible space that is both eye-catching and cozy. Note how black and white prints and a bold shade of blue sprinkled throughout the room create a sense of stylish unity.

    An Explanation of What Maximalist Decor Actually Is